Wooden Packaging Leads Sustainability Efforts at Fruit Attraction 2024

At this year's Fruit Attraction fair, held in Madrid, the Spanish Federation of Wooden Packaging and its Components (FEDEMCO) proudly showcased its remarkable achievements in sustainable packaging, highlighting the growing prominence of the ECOWOOX® certification. This European certification, which guarantees the complete recyclability of wooden packaging, has gained significant traction in the fruit and vegetable industry.

Since its launch in 2023, ECOWOOX® has already secured an 80% market share in the wooden packaging sector for fruits and vegetables in Spain and Portugal. This rapid adoption reflects the industry's commitment to sustainability, positioning wooden packaging as a leading solution for a circular economy. Not only does wooden packaging meet the demands for recyclability, but it also offers lower environmental impact compared to other packaging materials.

‘We are very proud of the excellent reception that ECOWOOX® is having, both in Spain and internationally,’ remarked Emilio J. Pérez, Director of FEDEMCO. ‘With this European certification mark, we have been pioneers in anticipating market demands by guaranteeing the total recyclability of our packaging. Now the sector is recognising this effort by implementing this certification unanimously,’ he added.

FEDEMCO’s presence at the Fruit Attraction fair involved participation in two key events that reinforced the role of wooden packaging in achieving sustainability goals. On the first day of the event, a round table discussion organized by Packnet focused on the strategies for enhancing the circularity of fruit and vegetable packaging. FEDEMCO presented its approach, stressing the importance of wooden packaging as a sustainable alternative. This was followed by a session on the second day in the Fruit Next forum, where FEDEMCO's representatives shared insights from a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of wooden packaging, conducted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia.

The LCA study revealed that wooden packaging significantly reduces environmental impacts when compared to other packaging types. ‘Wooden packaging is not only 100% recyclable, but it can also significantly reduce environmental impacts compared to other materials,’ explained Emilio J. Pérez. ‘This is because it has a reduced carbon footprint and a minimal water footprint,’ he elaborated. These findings further strengthen the case for using wooden packaging, especially in sectors looking to reduce their ecological footprint.

FEDEMCO’s efforts are not limited to Spain and Portugal. With support from the Generalitat Valenciana, the ECOWOOX® certification was presented in Brussels and has since gained international momentum. FEDEMCO’s participation in the DOGK congress in Germany, through the Grow International organization, also emphasizes its commitment to promoting wooden packaging globally. Grow International, founded in 1991 as a cooperation between federations from Spain, France, Germany, and Italy, continues to play a crucial role in advancing sustainable packaging solutions.

The benefits of wooden packaging extend beyond recyclability. As a renewable resource, wood offers a sustainable alternative to plastic and other materials, aligning with the principles of a circular economy. By promoting the international adoption of ECOWOOX®, FEDEMCO aims to ensure that wooden packaging becomes a global standard for sustainability in the agricultural and food sectors.

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of waste management and environmental impact, the role of certified recyclable wooden packaging becomes increasingly vital. FEDEMCO’s leadership in this domain, exemplified by its work with ECOWOOX® and its international outreach efforts, showcases how industries can evolve toward more sustainable practices. With the growing recognition of the environmental benefits of wooden packaging, it is likely that other regions and sectors will follow suit, contributing to a more sustainable global packaging industry.